Has The NFC Improved?

Other than the Rams, no. Some growth/internal development can make some teams better (NYG, Chi) but nobody else has demonstrably improved.

Dallas is certainly a contender in the NFC this year, especially if they stay healthy on the offensive side of the ball.
 
cowboybish said:
How do we stack up this year against the other teams in the NFC?
Click to expand...
Apparently we’re #2 in terms of net improvement:

Here is the analytical power ranking of all 16 NFC teams based on their 2026 offseason roster maneuvers, draft choices, and coaching adjustments. The primary criteria for these rankings is net improvement—specifically how effectively each front office identified and systematically patched the critical flaws that plagued them during the 2025 season.

2026 NFC Offseason Improvement Rankings​

1. Los Angeles Rams​

The Rams pulled off an absolute masterclass by revamping a secondary that leaked big plays throughout 2025, securing elite cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Furthermore, the blockbuster acquisition of pass rusher Myles Garrett completely supercharges their front four, making them the most drastically improved defense in the conference.

2. Dallas Cowboys​

Dallas aggressively fortified their pass rush and back-end safety play by landing marquee additions Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, and superstar safety Caleb Downs. They successfully weaponized the offseason to pivot away from 2025’s defensive inconsistency, anchoring a unit that should now be incredibly formidable.

3. New York Giants​

The Giants aggressively fixed their protection issues by drafting Francis Mauigoa and signing veteran blockers, while reshaping their defense by drafting linebacker Arvell Reese No. 5 overall. Aggressively trading away Dexter Lawrence for the No. 10 overall pick allowed them to execute a massive, balanced roster overhaul that cleanly resets their fundamental baseline.

4. Washington Commanders​

Washington prioritized defensive enforcement and backfield stability, onboarding linebacker Leo Chenal, edge rusher Odafe Oweh, and reliable running back Rachaad White. These moves directly address the porous defensive interior and lack of schematic identity that crippled them down the stretch in 2025.

5. Carolina Panthers​

The Panthers prioritized young quarterback protection and front-seven athleticism by signing offensive tackles Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling alongside dynamic edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. While losing A'Shawn Robinson hurts, their baseline protection and pass-rushing upside are significantly healthier heading into 2026.

6. New Orleans Saints​

The Saints executed a highly efficient retooling by adding elite explosive playmakers like running back Travis Etienne Jr. and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to aid their stagnant offense. Re-signing linebacker Kaden Elliss and buying low on pass-rushing prospect Tyree Wilson helps offset the sting of losing legendary leader Demario Davis.

7. San Francisco 49ers​

The 49ers loaded up on offensive weaponry by signing elite targets Mike Evans and Christian Kirk to contrast the departure of A.J. Brown. While adding Osa Odighizuwa replaces missing defensive line interior weight, losing several key role players keeps this more of a lateral, offensive-skewed adjustment rather than a total roster upgrade.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

Tampa Bay successfully injected youth into its pass rush by adding Rueben Bain Jr. while keeping the second level stable by signing veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. However, failing to truly replicate the departure of franchise cornerstone wide receiver Mike Evans leaves a glaring bottleneck on their offensive ceiling.

9. Atlanta Falcons​

The Falcons completely altered their quarterback ecosystem by pivoting from Kirk Cousins to a one-year, low-risk flier on Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. While adding pieces like Jawaan Taylor and Brian Robinson Jr. boosts their run game floor, losing reliable defender David Onyemata prevents a true defensive leap.

10. Minnesota Vikings​

Minnesota made a major splash by signing former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, which gives them immense ceiling flexibility if he returns to peak form. Unfortunately, losing elite edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and dynamic defensive lineman Javon Hargrave leaves their defense significantly compromised upfront.

11. Philadelphia Eagles​

The Eagles made splashy adjustments by signing edge defender Jonathan Greenard, cornerback Riq Woolen, and wideout Hollywood Brown. However, trading away superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Patriots sends shockwaves through their offensive stability and significantly limits their net overall improvement.

12. Detroit Lions​

The Lions focused heavily on physical, structural depth by acquiring bruising running back Isiah Pacheco and offensive lineman Cade Mays. These additions help maintain their cultural identity, but losing major defensive cornerstones like defensive tackle D.J. Reader and linebacker Alex Anzalone means their defensive weaknesses remain largely exposed.

13. Chicago Bears​

Chicago underwent a massive structural shift, bringing in safety Dillon Thieneman and blockers like Jedrick Wills Jr. to stabilize the trenches. Unfortunately, trading away alpha wide receiver D.J. Moore and losing defensive anchors Tremaine Edmunds and Kevin Byard leaves the roster with more holes than answers.

14. Green Bay Packers​

Green Bay managed to add premier defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker Zaire Franklin, but the absolute mass exodus of their structural core limits them. Losing cornerstone blockers Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker, alongside top pass rusher Rashan Gary and wideout Romeo Doubs, leaves this roster considerably thin.

15. Seattle Seahawks​

Seattle is staring down a major regression after losing foundational pillars from their recent Super Bowl window, including running back Kenneth Walker III, star cornerback Riq Woolen, and edge rusher Boye Mafe. Re-signing Rashid Shaheed and importing veteran journeyman Dante Fowler Jr. does very little to replace that bleeding premium talent.

16. Arizona Cardinals​

The Cardinals take the bottom spot after completely clearing the decks, highlighted by the release of quarterback Kyler Murray. While they signed veteran Gardner Minshew to steer the ship and added Kendrick Bourne, this offseason was explicitly about asset allocation and financial resetting rather than immediate roster improvement for 2026.
 
MajesticRey said:
4. Washington Commanders
Washington prioritized defensive enforcement and backfield stability, onboarding linebacker Leo Chenal, edge rusher Odafe Oweh, and reliable running back Rachaad White. These moves directly address the porous defensive interior and lack of schematic identity that crippled them down the stretch in 2025.
Click to expand...
If this is considered improvement - regardless of what the methodology is - it just goes to show how the NFC is trending.

These are nothing moves.
 
The rams certainly improved. A lot of the other teams at the top of the NFC not so much.

I think some of the mid/lower end teams could mix it up this season. The cowboys are certainly stronger. Carolina could be sneaky good. New Orleans is another one that could take another step if Shough is as good as advertised.
 
LouBrown said:
Other than the Rams, no. Some growth/internal development can make some teams better (NYG, Chi) but nobody else has demonstrably improved.

Dallas is certainly a contender in the NFC this year, especially if they stay healthy on the offensive side of the ball.
Click to expand...
Yeah I’d probably agree. Rams the only team that I saw improve.
 
MajesticRey said:
Apparently we’re #2 in terms of net improvement:

Here is the analytical power ranking of all 16 NFC teams based on their 2026 offseason roster maneuvers, draft choices, and coaching adjustments. The primary criteria for these rankings is net improvement—specifically how effectively each front office identified and systematically patched the critical flaws that plagued them during the 2025 season.

2026 NFC Offseason Improvement Rankings​

1. Los Angeles Rams​

The Rams pulled off an absolute masterclass by revamping a secondary that leaked big plays throughout 2025, securing elite cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Furthermore, the blockbuster acquisition of pass rusher Myles Garrett completely supercharges their front four, making them the most drastically improved defense in the conference.

2. Dallas Cowboys​

Dallas aggressively fortified their pass rush and back-end safety play by landing marquee additions Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, and superstar safety Caleb Downs. They successfully weaponized the offseason to pivot away from 2025’s defensive inconsistency, anchoring a unit that should now be incredibly formidable.

3. New York Giants​

The Giants aggressively fixed their protection issues by drafting Francis Mauigoa and signing veteran blockers, while reshaping their defense by drafting linebacker Arvell Reese No. 5 overall. Aggressively trading away Dexter Lawrence for the No. 10 overall pick allowed them to execute a massive, balanced roster overhaul that cleanly resets their fundamental baseline.

4. Washington Commanders​

Washington prioritized defensive enforcement and backfield stability, onboarding linebacker Leo Chenal, edge rusher Odafe Oweh, and reliable running back Rachaad White. These moves directly address the porous defensive interior and lack of schematic identity that crippled them down the stretch in 2025.

5. Carolina Panthers​

The Panthers prioritized young quarterback protection and front-seven athleticism by signing offensive tackles Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling alongside dynamic edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. While losing A'Shawn Robinson hurts, their baseline protection and pass-rushing upside are significantly healthier heading into 2026.

6. New Orleans Saints​

The Saints executed a highly efficient retooling by adding elite explosive playmakers like running back Travis Etienne Jr. and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to aid their stagnant offense. Re-signing linebacker Kaden Elliss and buying low on pass-rushing prospect Tyree Wilson helps offset the sting of losing legendary leader Demario Davis.

7. San Francisco 49ers​

The 49ers loaded up on offensive weaponry by signing elite targets Mike Evans and Christian Kirk to contrast the departure of A.J. Brown. While adding Osa Odighizuwa replaces missing defensive line interior weight, losing several key role players keeps this more of a lateral, offensive-skewed adjustment rather than a total roster upgrade.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

Tampa Bay successfully injected youth into its pass rush by adding Rueben Bain Jr. while keeping the second level stable by signing veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. However, failing to truly replicate the departure of franchise cornerstone wide receiver Mike Evans leaves a glaring bottleneck on their offensive ceiling.

9. Atlanta Falcons​

The Falcons completely altered their quarterback ecosystem by pivoting from Kirk Cousins to a one-year, low-risk flier on Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. While adding pieces like Jawaan Taylor and Brian Robinson Jr. boosts their run game floor, losing reliable defender David Onyemata prevents a true defensive leap.

10. Minnesota Vikings​

Minnesota made a major splash by signing former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, which gives them immense ceiling flexibility if he returns to peak form. Unfortunately, losing elite edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and dynamic defensive lineman Javon Hargrave leaves their defense significantly compromised upfront.

11. Philadelphia Eagles​

The Eagles made splashy adjustments by signing edge defender Jonathan Greenard, cornerback Riq Woolen, and wideout Hollywood Brown. However, trading away superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Patriots sends shockwaves through their offensive stability and significantly limits their net overall improvement.

12. Detroit Lions​

The Lions focused heavily on physical, structural depth by acquiring bruising running back Isiah Pacheco and offensive lineman Cade Mays. These additions help maintain their cultural identity, but losing major defensive cornerstones like defensive tackle D.J. Reader and linebacker Alex Anzalone means their defensive weaknesses remain largely exposed.

13. Chicago Bears​

Chicago underwent a massive structural shift, bringing in safety Dillon Thieneman and blockers like Jedrick Wills Jr. to stabilize the trenches. Unfortunately, trading away alpha wide receiver D.J. Moore and losing defensive anchors Tremaine Edmunds and Kevin Byard leaves the roster with more holes than answers.

14. Green Bay Packers​

Green Bay managed to add premier defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker Zaire Franklin, but the absolute mass exodus of their structural core limits them. Losing cornerstone blockers Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker, alongside top pass rusher Rashan Gary and wideout Romeo Doubs, leaves this roster considerably thin.

15. Seattle Seahawks​

Seattle is staring down a major regression after losing foundational pillars from their recent Super Bowl window, including running back Kenneth Walker III, star cornerback Riq Woolen, and edge rusher Boye Mafe. Re-signing Rashid Shaheed and importing veteran journeyman Dante Fowler Jr. does very little to replace that bleeding premium talent.

16. Arizona Cardinals​

The Cardinals take the bottom spot after completely clearing the decks, highlighted by the release of quarterback Kyler Murray. While they signed veteran Gardner Minshew to steer the ship and added Kendrick Bourne, this offseason was explicitly about asset allocation and financial resetting rather than immediate roster improvement for 2026.
Click to expand...
Sorry, **SF lost Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore.
 
Imagine if the Packers are truly horrible and the Cowboys lost a top 5 pick by trading for Quinnen Williams.

This board would melt down.
 
CT Dal Fan said:
Imagine if the Packers are truly horrible and the Cowboys lost a top 5 pick by trading for Quinnen Williams.

This board would melt down.
Click to expand...
They weren’t very good without Micah. Reports are he will be out the first four games. Your suggestion isn’t that far-fetched. Top five is a bit much. Middle of draft could happen. Particularly playing in the NFC North.
 
big dog cowboy said:
That will never happen. The Jones clan doesn't believe in going all in. They want to consistently be good. Always good enough each year to be easy to market.
Click to expand...
Bingo. Relevancy, not results, matter here.

Going back to 2003 the only reason Bill Parcells was hired was to drum up interest in the team again so Jerry could get a new stadium. Hard to do that coming off three straight 5-11 seasons under Campo. But Campo probably would have stayed if not for that.
 
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